Hyphema. Part I. Pathophysiologic considerations

Hemorrhage in the anterior chamber of the eye, or hyphema, results from a b reakdown of the blood-ocular barrier (BOB) and is frequently associated wit h inflammation of the iris, ciliary body, or retina. Hyphema can also occur by retrograde blood flow into the anterior chamber via the aqueous humor d rainage pathways without BOB breakdown. Hyphema attributable to blunt or pe rforating ocular trauma is more common than that resulting from endogenous causes. When trauma, has been eliminated as a possible cause, it is prudent to assume that every animal with hyphema has a serious systemic disease un til proven otherwise.